Metabolomics Core Director / Research Group Leader

The mission of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research, and prevention and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees, and the public.

The Core Director (CD) of the Metabolomics CCSG Core will oversee all functional aspects and personnel of the facility dedicated to the state-of-the-art of mass spectrometry-based analyses of metabolites for basic and clinical cancer research. The Director will ensure that this core facility enables breakthrough research including targeted (specific metabolite detection) and untargeted (discovery-based) metabolomics, untargeted lipidomics, and stable isotope-resolved metabolomic tracing (SIRM) in common biological matrices. The CD will ensure that this core facility enables breakthrough research to all MD Anderson and external users. The CD will provide expertise on experimental design, guide suitable data analysis procedures, and collaborate with data interpretation to ensure high-quality and reliable output derived from the Core technology. In addition to technically guiding core activities, the CD will work closely with the Core's Scientific Director to ensure that the facility continues to innovate, adopt new technologies and analytical methods, and bring on new services to enable the Institution's research mission. It is anticipated that together with the Scientific Director leadership, the Metabolomics CD will dedicate up to 20% of its activity to technology development, which is an integral part of the Core.

Key functions

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

• Ensure that the core provides state-of-the-art metabolomics service to enable MD Anderson's research mission in a range of biological matrices.
• Assist with identifying suitable approaches to deliver major key activities of the core including targeted & untargeted metabolomics and SIRM for a range of endogenous metabolites.
• Responsible for the development, validation, implementation, and execution of novel metabolomics analytical methods to support, as much as technically and financially possible, the research required by MD Anderson investigators and other collaborators.
• Monitor experimental data acquisition, quality, and timely release, troubleshooting any issues with the assay and instrument performance.
• Work with researchers and when needed with the Scientific Director to plan and execute metabolomics studies, and trouble shoot any arising issues.
• Stay abreast of technical advances in terms of experimental methodologies, miniaturization, automation, and hardware developments. Evaluate the merits of the technical advances and implement these innovative solutions in the Core where appropriate.
• In coordination with the Scientific Director, seek to secure grant and foundation funding both for specific advanced research projects as well as for hardware refreshes.
• Interact with faculty members and their laboratory personnel to devise appropriate experimental strategies for data collection and analysis.
• Consult with faculty on data quality and suggest strategies for improved sample quality
• Direct collaborative projects that require a high level of technical expertise or the application of new approaches.
• Attend conferences, follow research literature, and discuss and establish new approaches with faculty.
• Train and supervise facility staff members to maintain capabilities at the forefront of technological developments.
• Assist with manuscript and grant preparation for collaborative research.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and functional laboratory.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

A collaborative attitude is essential for this position.

Ability to work well under pressure and drive projects that affect critical timelines.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Education

Required : PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field or Medical degree.

Preferred : PhD Preferred in biochemistry, structural biology, Computer science, or a physical Chemistry.

Experience

Required : Seven years experience of relevant research experience in laboratory to include three years of managerial experience. Successful completion of the LEADing Self Accelerate and / or LEADing Self Discover programs may substitute for one year of required supervisory or management experience. Completion of both programs can be substituted for a maximum of two years of supervisory or management experience.

Preferred : Experience with mass spectrometry metabolomics, as well as the implementation and development of new metabolomics methodologies, is required. Experience with Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Mass Spectrometers.

Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http : / / www.mdanderson.org / about-us / legal-and-policy / legal-statements / eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information

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